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There are so many attractions in the great city of Chicago that it’s practically impossible to see it all in one weekend. But, for those limited on time while in the Windy City, Navy Pier is always a top priority. From its iconic Ferris wheel to its serene Crystal Gardens to its multitude of restaurants, Navy Pier has become a top destination in downtown Chicago.

But how did Navy Pier become what it is today? Here’s a brief history of Navy Pier.

Navy Pier’s origins began in 1909 when city planner Daniel Burnham had the idea to build several recreational piers in Chicago. Only one was eventually built, costing $4.5 million (a lot of money back then!) and opening in 1916. At that time it was called Municipal Pier. It became a hub of entertainment in the rollicking 1920s and even survived through the Great Depression.

Interestingly, during the World Wars, the US military housed regiments of soldiers, Home Defense personnel, and Red Cross efforts on the pier. That’s why it was renamed Navy Pier in 1927 to honor the Navy veterans.

Over the next decades, it was the site of numerous conventions but after a fire tore through it, the pier fell into disuse by 1971.

Luckily, it was declared a historic landmark by the city in 1977 and the following decades were spent renovating Navy Pier into a $150 million attraction that was re-launched in 1995.

Next time you’re in Chicago, spend an afternoon at Navy Pier. And if you have time for a second place, visit us at Friendly Ford!

A lot of people depend on their vehicles for their job, but no one does as much as a taxi driver, so when they select their car, you can bet it’s a good one. That is why taxi drivers across the globe are opting for the Ford Transit Connect Taxi, whose popularity is growing in cities from Los Angeles to New York, and now, Hong Kong.

“Ford Transit Connect Taxi has proven itself in taxi fleets across the U.S.,” said Raj Nair, group vice president of global product development, in a press release. “Now, we are building on that success, offering the vehicle for sale in even more markets, including global cities like Hong Kong.”

In the U.S., Ford accounts for nearly 60 percent of the taxi market, and the Transit Connect Taxi’s introduction in Hong Kong could open new doors for the Dearborn automaker.

The Transit Connect Taxi that Ford has unveiled in Hong Kong boasts a clean-burning liquefied petroleum gas fuel system, which is able to flourish thanks to Hong Kong’s well-established LPG infrastructure.

Visit us today at Friendly Ford to learn more about the Transit Connect Taxi!